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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Jun 21 1:40pm | Replies (6473)Comment receiving replies
Hi there! I am new to Connect, but hopefully can offer some insight. I DID go off 150 Effexor XR (name brand) COLD TURKEY on January 2016. I survived it, but will never in my life EVER go off ANY antidepressant cold turkey. I had taken Effexor for at least 8 years, Zoloft prior to that and and Imipramine (sp?) as the first antidepressant (in all 25+ years on antidepressants.) It all started with running out of meds over a long weekend and deciding it was time to try to get off antidepressants to see how I would do. Since I had recently retired from teaching, thought this would be an ideal time to give it a go. In addition, Effexor just wasn't helping all that much anymore (I thought.) The first 3 days I felt like I was going to die! When I realized that I wasn't dying, decided to keep going to get it all over with. In addition to the symptoms you have heard about, I had deep bone/joint pain that felt like I was being pinched with clamps. Also had skin sensations and peeling, and noticed a strange smell on my skin. Each day got a little better and by the 3rd week started to function a bit more normally. I was very emotional, however, which caused my family great concern. Well, to make a long story short, the depression crept back in full and I am still trying to get my life back. I did everything I could to stay stable, including herbal supplements and took a vacation where I hiked 6 miles daily for 9 days on hilly, rocky terrain. I finally had to accept that I'm a person who will need antidepressants for the rest of my life. With the help of a PCP and counselor, I am on my 3rd antidepressant & may need to resort to going back on Effexor, because nothing seems to be working. All in all, in my opinion, the chronic depression is worse than the withdrawal symptoms that do eventually end. If you are a person with situational depression, you may be successful weaning off Effexor gradually. If I were to do it again, that's what I would do (while replacing Effexor with something else.) Here are the things that helped me with the physical withdrawal symptoms:
1. Get plenty of sleep/rest.
2. Eat a very well-balanced diet (this is not the time to worry about your weight.) Lots of soup & easy to digest foods the 1st few days.
3. Drink plenty of water, including coconut water.
4. Have a glass of wine in the evening (if advisable.)
5. Get outside and walk or other excersize (the warm sunshine will feel good!)
6. Hot yoga 3-4 times per week. Stay in class even if you feel nauseous & can only do a few postures.
7. Soak in a hot tub (with bath salts if available.)
8. Use a good moisturizer on face & body several times per day.
9. Get several professional massages.
10. Take Tylenol for muscle pain, if OK on your stomach.
11. A heating pad is also helpful at bedtime or during naps.
12. If you are single & live alone, make sure a few trusted friends/family members know what you are doing.
13. In general, be kind & gentle to yourself.
14. NEVER give up! Keep going, even when you don't feel like it (which will be often.) YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!
Replies to "Hi there! I am new to Connect, but hopefully can offer some insight. I DID go..."
Hi @bekinprogress - Why don't you give your doctor a call and tell him/her that you're having problems with Effexor and are ready to transition to Wellbutrin. I've been on Wellbutrin 450mg for almost 13 years, with no side effects. I did gain some weight during that time, but that was because I indulged in too many sweets, and last year I stopped the habit and lost the 60 lbs I'd gained. Back to my normal weight now and happier about myself.
Jim
Thank you Jim for your thoughts. Sweets is a vice of mine as well!! I'm sure if I changed a few eating habits I may see the weight come off. Yes, I probably do need to start the conversation. Every time I have told my doctor about having crazy dreams and night sweats when I forget to take my medicine he says it's b/c I need it - it's not a side effect. š I think it's a side effect thought. May need a new doctor! HA! He has seen me since I've been on it so that is why I feel like sticking with him is safer.
Hello @bekinprogress
I've been reading your posts and it sounds as if you have a lot of stressors in your life right now. I would encourage you to talk with your doctor about making a switch, if you really feel that you need a change in your med. Most doctors are willing to work with you if you would like to try something different. Try to weigh the pros and cons of making a change now given some of the other things going on in your life.
Teresa
I have made the changes myself im over all the withdrawals n i couldnt be happier its over and i feel much better without the effexor. Thank u for ur advice. My doc was happy that i did it on my own. But hasnt replaced the med yet.
my son has weaned himself down to 37.5 mg of Effexor but the side affects are terrible when he tries to cut that out. He has now gone to a compounding chemist who will make it in lower dosages in a slow release capsule. He says the times he has come off Zoloft were a breeze for him compared to Effexor. Everyone reacts differently.
I want to go off venlafaxine. I hope I can just titrate down. I tried once before and failed. I want to take Prozac- itās cheaper by $ 600 per year. And it feels like
Venlafaxine isnāt working any more. Iām concerned about withdrawal.
Oh wow. Not sure who this was for but I thank you so much for your information. II think I already posted this question but do you know how long it takes the body to purge this drug from the body??
I gained a ton of weight too. not happy
I started weaning off of Effexor back in October and since then I have lost 30 lbs without even trying. When I was taking the Effexor I CRAVED sugar, many times eating a whole bag of donuts or a carton of ice cream in one sitting. I also craved MILK drinking close to a gallon a day. I no longer crave the sugar or the milk. I am eating much more healthy and learning to make better choices. The Effexor must trigger something in the brain to crave sugar and carbs. I still have about 20 more lbs to go as I gained FIFTY POUNDS in the last 6 years on the Effexor. This medication is nothing to fool around with. I am experiencing gastro problems and my dr seems to think it's from the long term use of the Effexor. My adrenal and liver health (I don't drink any alcohol at all and never have) is compromised and he also thinks that is a result of taking the Effexor. My fatigue continues to be bothersome but I contribute a lot of that to depression as I lost my son 6 years ago after he served three tours in Iraq. He took his life on 1/3/12. I know I will never, ever get over the pain of losing him but I have a beautiful daughter that needs a good mom....I have to keep trying to get better for her and her family. Best of luck to everyone who ever come into contact with this poisonous drug....it turns your life upside down when you start taking it and turns it inside out when you try to get off of it.
Connect
Hi @cavegnr1 - Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry you're having trouble getting off Effexor. Are you starting on Wellbutrin as you taper off Effexor? Are you taking Effexor every other day for a couple of weeks. These are things my doctors have recommended when I've been transitioning. Take care of yourself. I'm glad you're aware of what you're feeling, and not doing anything like driving that could be dangerous.
Jim